10 Essential Network Vulnerability Scanning Tools

Network security is of prime importance in today’s world. That is why network scanning, or rather network vulnerability scanning, plays such a crucial role in the overall security of any enterprise and the data that it handles.

Here’s a look at the top 10 essential network vulnerability scanning tools available today:

1. HackerCombat Network Security Scanner

HackerCombat Network Security Scanner uses ATP (Advanced Threat Protection), the cloud-based filtering service that protects you from unknown malware and viruses, giving robust zero-day protection and protection from harmful links, in real time. Sensitive data exfiltration, port scans, IP protocol scans etc are the highlights of this security scanner. The other highlights are:

Scanning perimeter networks for vulnerabilities and threats.
Detailed network security report.
Checking for network security misconfigurations.
Scans all devices, checks for all kinds of vulnerabilities.
Checks for weak passwords, badly configured Proxy Servers, weak SNMP community strings, TLS/SSL ciphers etc.
Checks for anonymous FTP access, DNS zone transfer, DNS cache poisoning attacks etc.

2. OpenVAS

An open source tool, OpenVAS can be used as a central service providing effective vulnerability assessment tools. These help in vulnerability scanning and in vulnerability management as well. The highlights are:

Compatible with different OSs.
Comprehensive vulnerability assessment done, identifies issues related to security in servers and all devices.
Scan engine constantly updated with Network Vulnerability Tests.

3. Nexpose Community

Open source tool developed by Rapid7 and used for vulnerability scans and network checks. The highlights are:

Automatically detects new devices, evaluates vulnerabilities when they access network.
Can be incorporated into a Metaspoilt framework.
Takes into account the age of the vulnerability, decides fixes based on its priority.
Monitors vulnerability exposure in real-time.

4. Nikto

Open source scanner, highly in demand for detecting probable issues and vulnerabilities. Highlights:

Checks if server versions are outdated.
Performs various tests on web servers and scans hazardous files, programs.
Tests web server in the least possible time.
Scans HTTPS, HTTPd, HTTP etc and multiple ports of a specific server.

5. Tripwire IP360

Vulnerability assessment solution that is very much in demand and used by enterprises, organizations etc to manage security risks. Highlights are:

Uses a wide-ranging view of the network to spot issues.
Uses open standards to help integrate risk management, vulnerability management into the different processes of a business.

6. Wireshark

Widely used network protocol analyzer, a really powerful scanning tool. The highlights are:

Checks networks at a microscopic level.
Captures issues online while the analysis is done offline.
Runs on all platforms- Windows, Linux, MacOS etc.

7. Aircrack

Also known as Aircrack-NG, this scanning tool is used by many enterprises and agencies. The highlights are:

Helps in network auditing.
Focuses on all areas of WiFi security.
Helps retrieve lost keys by capturing data packets.
Supports multiple operating systems.

8. Nessus Professional

Created by Tenable Network Security, this patented scanner is widely used. The highlights are:

Timely vulnerability assessment helps block penetrations made by hackers.
Detects vulnerabilities that permit remote hacking of data.
Supports multiple operating systems.

9. Retina CS Community

Open source, web-based vulnerability scanning console, which offers centralized, simplified scanning. Highlights:

Provides cross-platform vulnerability assessment.
Offers compliance reporting, patching and configuration compliance etc.
Provides automated vulnerability assessment for servers, databases, web applications, workstations etc.
Gives complete support for virtual environments like vCenter integration, virtual app scanning etc.

10. Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer

Known popularly as MBSA, it’s best for Windows systems. The highlights include:

Checks groups of computers for missing updates, misconfigurations, security patches etc.
Suited for medium-sized and small-sized organizations.
Offers solutions and suggestions after vulnerability scan.